Description

In this episode, Kristine Michie talks with Chris Lawrence, Chief Program Officer at the Interledger Foundation, about reimagining financial access in a digitally connected world. They explore what it means to create systems that move with people—across borders, crises, and communities—through open protocols and inclusive design. From artist-led explorations of money to refugee wallets and cross-border remittance tools, the episode shows how creativity, tech, and advocacy intersect to serve the 1.4 billion unbanked. Listeners will leave inspired to see financial inclusion not just as a tech fix, but as a human right—and a space where imagination fuels real change.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital connectivity can build financial systems that follow people across borders, crises, and time—access should be as portable as a phone number.
• True inclusion means designing for those without banks, credit histories, or infrastructure.
• Community value systems—like trust networks and mutual aid—should be empowered by tech, not replaced.
• If your solution excludes the most marginalized from basic services, it must be rethought from the ground up.
• Collaboration across tech, art, education, and activism is essential to build ecosystems rooted in shared values.
• Art and creativity aren’t extras—they help us grasp complex issues and imagine change.
• Open, decentralized systems can expand access—but need legal, cultural, and advocacy support.
• Financial rights are human rights—not market perks.
• We must stop treating money as taboo—economic empowerment is key to justice and transformation.

"A lack of creative solutions has a real chilling effect on progress." — Chris Lawrence

"Maybe there's something in a communal sense, where there's no value outside of that community, but if it's facilitating the transactions of that value within the community, then that’s serving a purpose." — Chris Lawrence

“Fun and play aren’t frivolous; they’re crucial in sustaining momentum, encouraging risk-taking, and breaking through ‘stuck’ thinking in serious work.” — Chris Lawrence

Episode References: 

Hacktoberfest: https://hacktoberfest.com/

Building Tech for the Just Transition – An AI Platform for the Social Sector with guests Aram Fischer and Mikka Kei MacDonald: https://www.impactfullinc.com/playfull-podcast/aram-fischer-mikka-kei-macdonald

Delivering Money and Meaning for Marginalized Founders with Kat Gabrielle: https://www.impactfullinc.com/playfull-podcast/kat-gabrielle

Equalizing Access to the Tools and Levers that Grow the Economy with Erin Axelrod: https://www.impactfullinc.com/playfull-podcast/erin-axelrod

About Chris Lawrence: Chris Lawrence is the Head of Programs at Interledger Foundation, where he leads grant-making programs and strategic partnerships to advance financial inclusion through open-web technologies. With two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, he is driven by the vision of creating positive social change through education, technology, and network building. He also serves as an RSA Fellow, contributing to global initiatives that promote social justice, civic engagement, and human creativity. Previously, he was the Senior Program Manager at Grant for the Web and co-founded Loup, a consultancy focused on stakeholder storytelling. Additionally, he has held leadership roles at Mozilla, supporting a global network of leaders in web literacy and digital rights.

Connect with Chris: 

Website: https://interledger.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interledgerfoundation/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislarry/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/interledger-foundation/

Twitter: https://x.com/interledger

Connect with Kristine:

Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/ 

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